This story was originally published in January 1, 2011 editions of The Dallas Morning News.

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ARLINGTON – Outside Cowboys Stadium, one group of tailgaters always draws a crowd.

Passers-by stop to pose and snap photos of a line of cars glittering in shades of blue and silver. The Dallas Cowboys star covers hoods, tires, seats, even steering wheels.

The thump of a car stereo's bass creates a festive atmosphere. A Chevy Suburban – Big Blu – hisses and bounces up and down on its tires. Doors open up like wings.

For a group of extended family and friends who grew up together in Oak Cliff, a passion for America's Team and their love of custom cars has become the Cowboys Life Car Club.

"Some people like to hunt; I like to buy rims," said Fernando Alvarez. "Cowboys Life is a lifestyle."

Each member wears a necklace with the star and the club's logo. Club president Jose Saldivar said the group started out simply.

"We added decals here and there," he said. "Then last year we added the customized artwork."

The group doesn't attend games. Instead, they park their cars together, pitch a tent and watch the game on television from parking lot A near Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. They'd like to become a fixture at the home games, something people expect to see.

These are not fair weather fans.

"It's nice to see Texas natives so happy to represent the Dallas Cowboys," said Candice Hawley of Dallas, after she posed in front of several cars. The vehicles all have names. Saldivar owns Dynasty, a Chevrolet pickup outfitted with suede seats, that shows five Super Bowl trophies with former coaches Tom Landry and Jimmy Johnson on its hood. Big Show, a Denali, has a dark blue star on the hood.

Raymond Ortiz outfitted his children's Power Wheels powered riding toys in Cowboys gear. His car, Big Blu, has Tom Landry in profile in front of the five Super Bowl trophies on its hood, and the years that they were won are on the tires.

Multiple televisions are in the car, and he plans to add more.

He also created Da Playmaker, a Chevy Tahoe that features Michael Irvin on the hood. The car is for his wife, Lizde, in honor of her favorite player.

Space is left for Irvin to sign it in the future if he sees it.

"I wanted it to look classy and sexy like her," he said.

"It's customized to her liking."

The group of 16 only formed a year ago. But in addition to home games, they've appeared at car shows, parades and benefits. They traveled to spring training in San Antonio.

They're part of the Dallas United Lowrider Association.

Thousands of dollars are invested in the vehicles.

A 2004 white Avalanche belonging to Alvarez was recently stolen. It had stars frosted on the windows, wheels that lit up and several televisions. But he plans to rebuild.

Fans clearly enjoy the spectacle.

"I like the old-school pride, the tribute they have with the murals," said Fritz Barton. "It's really well done. It looks sharp."

At the last home game, Kurt Strasser of Garden City, Kan., lingered to take photos of many of the cars.

"It's an awesome display of their affection for the Cowboys," he said.

"I haven't ever seen anything like it. It's a good way to honor your team."